Hancock

Frank Masi / Columbia Pictures

Pedigree: 'Hancock' The superhero dramedy started life as a spec script in 1996 called Tonight, He Comes, about a 12-year-old boy befriending a fallen superhero. After a long series of directors came and went, including Tony Scott and Michael Mann, the project eventually came to Will Smith, who committed to star. When two additional directors left the project, Peter Berg signed on to direct — seven months before the start of filming. 'Wanted' Mark Millars comic book miniseries Wanted was published in six installments in 2003 and 2004. Producers immediately picked up the comics film rights and brought it to Russian director Timur Bekmambetov, who was looking to make his English-language debut. Winner: In a summer of remakes, sequels and adaptations, taking a chance a completely untested idea such as Hancocks is to be applauded.

Pedigree: 'Hancock' The superhero dramedy started life as a spec script in 1996 called Tonight, He Comes, about a 12-year-old boy befriending a fallen superhero. After a long series of directors came and went, including Tony Scott and Michael Mann, the project eventually came to Will Smith, who committed to star. When two additional directors left the project, Peter Berg signed on to direct — seven months before the start of filming. 'Wanted' Mark Millars comic book miniseries Wanted was published in six installments in 2003 and 2004. Producers immediately picked up the comics film rights and brought it to Russian director Timur Bekmambetov, who was looking to make his English-language debut. Winner: In a summer of remakes, sequels and adaptations, taking a chance a completely untested idea such as Hancocks is to be applauded. (Frank Masi / Columbia Pictures)

Pedigree: 'Hancock' The superhero dramedy started life as a spec script in 1996 called Tonight, He Comes, about a 12-year-old boy befriending a fallen superhero. After a long series of directors came and went, including Tony Scott and Michael Mann, the project eventually came to Will Smith, who committed to star. When two additional directors left the project, Peter Berg signed on to direct — seven months before the start of filming. 'Wanted' Mark Millars comic book miniseries Wanted was published in six installments in 2003 and 2004. Producers immediately picked up the comics film rights and brought it to Russian director Timur Bekmambetov, who was looking to make his English-language debut. Winner: In a summer of remakes, sequels and adaptations, taking a chance a completely untested idea such as Hancocks is to be applauded.